GETTING OUR ENDORSEMENT

We are now accepting endorsement inquiries for races in 2026-2027.

WHAT IS A PHILLY DSA ENDORSEMENT?

Philly DSA’s electoral work prioritizes building the power we need to advance our policy goals for Philadelphia. We work to elect socialist representatives who will use their votes and the power of their office to lift the demands of the working class, build left organization across their district, and materially support Philly DSA’s work in the areas of housing, health, and economic justice; decarceration; and racial and gender equity.

We view electioneering—especially our canvassing operations—as an opportunity to build popular support for our policy goals and movement.

Because we hold these beliefs and this theory of change, a Philly DSA endorsement is never simply another logo to add to a candidate’s direct mail. Instead, it is a grassroots, large-scale volunteer mobilization effort that derives its power and legitimacy from a democratic process that engages a broad base of our membership. It involves Philly DSA’s deep coordination with candidates and their teams, as well as our investment in field, communications, digital, fundraising, and more.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE ENDORSEMENT PROCESS?

Our endorsement process is thorough, democratic, and lengthy. It includes several rounds of meetings, an in-depth questionnaire, candidate forums, and votes by multiple membership bodies across Philly DSA.

The process begins with a meeting between our recruitment team and the candidate in a small group setting. The candidate will then be asked to complete a detailed endorsement questionnaire. 

Following receipt and review of the questionnaire by Philly DSA’s Electoral Committee, the candidate may be asked to attend a candidate forum with members of the Electoral Committee, who will vote on whether to recommend the candidate for endorsement. 

Suppose the Electoral Committee recommends the candidate. In that case, the Electoral Committee will submit the candidate’s name for consideration by the membership of Philly DSA at the next General Meeting. 

If the Electoral Committee does not recommend the candidate, the candidate may submit a resolution requesting consideration by the membership at a General Meeting.

At the General Meeting, the candidate will address the General Membership and respond to questions submitted by the membership. Following the question and answer period, the General Membership will vote on the candidate’s endorsement. An endorsement requires two-thirds approval by membership.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Candidates seeking Philly DSA’s endorsement should begin the application process by emailing electoral.phillydsa@gmail.com, including the following information in the body of the email:

  • Full name:

  • Pronouns:

  • Elected position and district seat you are seeking:

  • Short bio with your reason for running:

  • Where you’re at in developing your candidacy: (e.g., considering running, actively seeking endorsement, etc.)

We will follow up to arrange a meeting with our recruitment team members. 

To be considered for endorsement, candidates must complete our questionnaire. The questionnaire is detailed and comprehensive, and candidates should plan to spend a substantial amount of time finishing it. We strongly prefer to meet with candidates before sending them the questionnaire.

Our capacity is limited as a member-led and member-funded organization, and we receive many inquiries about endorsement. Please understand that we cannot invite all candidates to speak before our membership.